People of Punjab are very lucky that they have a competent Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif who liked to be called as “Khadim-e-Aala”. Belonging to a renowned industrialist family, both brothers, Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif, hold a long political struggle to strengthen democracy in the country. The era of 1990s is remembered due to political instability. It is a common perception that during that time both leading parties, PML(N) and PPP kept themselves busy in toppling each other’s government through hook and crook. Contrary to this, I believe that independent neutral analysis would prove that the politics of PML(N) led by Sharif Brothers revolved around the welfare and national development. In this regard, the M2 Motorway connecting Islamabad to Lahore is one of the major achievements whose construction was initiated during first tenure in 1992 and completed in second tenure 1997. The M2 Motorway is the first motorway built in South Asian region.

Sharif Brothers understand the importance of cordial relations with international community for any country to achieve its dream of peace and prosperity. Despite tremendous pressure on Pakistan in 1998, PML(N) Government decided to take bold decision of nuclear explosions in the best interest of country. Latter, the same Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who was earlier threatening Pakistan, visited Lahore to initiate the diplomatic peace process with Pakistan. At this historical moment, Nawaz Sharif was leading the country as Prime Minister while Shahbaz Sharif was Chief Minister of Punjab. The PML(N) era is known for focusing on Good & Governance, Law & Order, Infrastructure, Health, Education, Agriculture and Industrial development.

In 1999 , Musharraf Coup forced the Sharif Brothers to leave their beloved country but their hearts kept beating with the people of Pakistan. On the other hand, the dictatorship was not proven a good sign for Pakistan as no major development project was executed. The war against terror, suicide attacks, energy crisis, and unemployment were also some of the gifts of that regime. After coming back, people of Punjab once again showed their confidence on Shahbaz Sharif to lead the Punjab. Although, his government faced a number of challenges but imposing Governor Raaj by PPP federal government was worst one. The huge public support in favor of Shahbaz Sharif forced the federal government to review the decision.

Like his elder brother, Shahbaz Sharif also believed that infrastructure is an essential factor of organized civic life, and in this regard, road transportation is most important component. Road transportation not only facilitates easy commuting of goods by linking various cities, towns and villages with each other but also increasing trade and employment opportunities. I think Shahbaz Sharif, in his struggle to transform his province developed, is following the path of our time-tested friend China who is world’s largest country for investing in infrastructure. His government deserves the credit for being the first in Pakistan for introducing the new concept of rapid public transport in shape of Metro Bus System. After successful operations in Lahore and Twin cities, the people of Multan and other cities will also be facilitated in near future. The political opponents are finding no other way but to follow the Shahbaz Sharif’s doctrine by replicating the Metro Bus projects in their provinces. Different news reports suggest that the speedy development work in Punjab is also being acknowledged on global level. The ability to mastering various foreign languages is one of the amazing skills of Shahbaz Sharif which he uses during his exchange of views with international delegates.

We must admit that Punjab is the first province to understand the importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. Despite improving road links, some of the ongoing development projects under CPEC are related to introducing Orange Line Train, establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and combating energy crisis. The Khadim-e-Aala Punjab Rural Road program intimates that Punjab government is implementing the policy of balanced development throughout the province. Another initiative, the Khadim-e-Punjab Kissan Package is also helping farmers to tackle the challenges in the area of agriculture. According to a report, the production of wheat in Punjab has touched 19 million tons, cotton 10 million bales, rice 3.6 million tons, sugarcane 41 million tons and maize 3.6 million tons. Similarly, combating load-shedding crisis has resulted to reactivate the nonfunctional industries, especially in Faisalabad. Whenever there is natural disaster or any criminal act, Shahbaz Sharif is always seen to stand with the poor victim. Tech-savvy Chief Minister is also using the social media to interact with the public efficiently.

If we talk about education, Punjab has the comparatively highest number of schools in the country. According to the Pakistan Education Atlas, it has a total of 100,878 schools, out of which 52,986 are public, while 47,892 are private units. Similarly, Punjab has the highest literacy among female population. Punjab is also known as the only province where smart digital boards, IT labs, and tablets have been provided to educational institutes. The laptop distribution scheme is very much popular among the youth for promotion of higher education.

The ruling party PML(N) has finally decided to appoint Shahbaz Sharif as next Prime Minister of Pakistan, so I would like to appeal everyone to join hands with him so that after the successful demonstration in Punjab, the Sharif’s doctrine of development could be implemented throughout the country.